The man became suspicious.
“I am afraid we shall have to search this cabin, miss,” he said. “I am not convinced he is not in here.”
“What is it you want with this man?” asked Mabel, her curiosity getting the better of her.
“Well, I don’t mind telling you. Von Blusen is a German and I have been tipped off that he is up to some mischief, I don’t know just what. My orders are to take him ashore and turn him over to the U. S. authorities.”
“And who are you?” demanded Mabel.
“Me? Why, I’m a United States special officer.”
He threw back his coat and exposed a badge, which he covered hurriedly. Mabel, therefore, did not see it clearly. Something seemed to tell her, however, that the man was not telling the truth.
She stepped back quickly to the little center table, and as the first man advanced after her, she quickly opened the drawer and produced Bristow’s revolver, which she levelled at the three men.
“You can’t come in here,” she said quietly.